Council expands successful Containers for Change basket trial

The use of Containers for Change baskets is to be extended across the Scenic Rim

Scenic Rim Regional Council will expand the use of Containers for Change baskets across the region following the success of a 12-month trial.

Mayor Tom Sharp said the project's expansion, endorsed at last week's Ordinary Meeting, supported Council’s Waste Management and Resource Recovery Strategy 2021-2026, and was encouraged by positive feedback from the community.

"According to Container Exchange (COEX), Queenslanders use more than three billion drink containers a year," Cr Sharp said.

"The collection baskets, provided at no cost to Council by Container Exchange, are a practical and cost-effective solution to recycling that both Council and the community have embraced."

Twenty-one Council-funded recycling bin enclosures have already been replaced in public places throughout Beaudesert, Boonah and Tamborine Mountain, reducing Council's operational costs and landfill, minimising contamination of mixed recycling, improving resource recovery, and providing a safe and respectful opportunity for community members to access eligible bottles and cans.

In the first phase of the expansion, baskets will be attached to public place general waste bin enclosures located within parks and gardens across the region.

User behaviour will be studied before the remaining public place general waste bin enclosures are fitted with baskets in the second phase of the expansion.

“This trial has shown us that a simple, smart idea can have a big impact,” Cr Sharp said.

"Importantly, we’re making it easier for the whole community to support our goal of zero avoidable waste to landfill.”

COEX is a not-for-profit organisation that focus on reducing container litter, increasing recycling efforts, and helping communities benefit through paying refunds to individuals, charities and community groups.

It processes recycled containers at a facility before accredited recyclers purchase the processed materials which are then transformed into new containers and other products.